The World Bank Kenya has disowned a press release circulating online that purports to reaffirm its partnership with the Government of Kenya on the NYOTA programme, terming the document fake.
In a clarification posted on X, the institution said it had not issued any statement responding to concerns allegedly raised about the programme.
“The World Bank Kenya wishes to clarify that the News release currently circulating regarding an alleged response to concerns about the Nyota Kenya program is fake. No statement of that nature has been issued by the World Bank Kenya,” the statement read.
In the fabricated statement, the World Bank is portrayed as responding to comments regarding the Nyota programme.
The poster goes on to describe Nyota as a flagship initiative of the government supported by World Bank financing, aimed at improving youth employability through training, mentorship, internships, access to startup grants and job matching services.
It further claims the programme builds on previous Bank-supported initiatives such as the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP) and other youth empowerment interventions.
It is attributed to a named World Bank official serving as a division director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda.
However, the World Bank has stated that it did not issue the document and has warned the public against relying on the fabricated communication.
The Nyota p
roject is a government initiative aimed at supporting youth-led businesses across the country.Each beneficiary receives Sh25, 000 to either start or expand their ventures, with Sh22,000 deposited directly into the Pochi La Biashara account to fund business operations and Sh3,000 saved under the Haba Na Haba savings account with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
The programme is designed to foster entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities, and enhance economic participation among young people in northern Kenya.
The initiative also aims to strengthen local markets by empowering youth to contribute to supply chains and stimulate business growth.
Nyota funds are government-issued grants financed through the World Bank, targeting youth aged 18 to 29, and up to 35 for persons with disabilities.
Successful applicants receive Sh50,000, though only half the amount is disbursed initially to enable beneficiaries to kick-start their ventures.
The disbursement, accompanied by mentorship forums, began on January 8 in Eldoret and was expected to run for a week.
The ongoing distribution across 27 counties marks Phase Two of the programme, following a successful pilot in November 2025, which saw more than 12,000 young entrepreneurs in Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and Bungoma counties receive start-up capital.
Ruto has also visited Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri and Machakos counties as part of the rollout.
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